Author: TDH
Date: 11/12/2008 4:13 pm EDT
Hello:
I grouted an approx 200 sq ft Avaire tile installation in my kitchen two weeks ago. For the most part, it went well. However, there is a section where the grout has not set. I can easily dent it with my finger. I have about five total feet of grout line that is this way. I am ready to dig out these sections and regrout them, but can anybody tell me why it happened? It was not at the beginning or end of a bucket of grout, and I believe I treated this section the same as every other.
Thanks
Tim

Avaire Archive

06-24-2009 09:24 AM

Author: Jonathan
Date: 11/13/2008 3:06 pm EDT
Tim,

This is a puzzler. Without seeing it first hand, its difficult to say exactly what happened. I would guess it was possibly "overwashed" in that area; e.g., there was too much water introduced through the cleaning process. While it is important to "clean as you go", using excessive water can cause curing issues. Not saying that is what happened, but a guess.

The grout is designed to adhere to itself, so I'd suggest scraping out the 5 ft and regrouting that area. Be extra careful to not introduce too much water during the cleaning process.

If possible, I'd really like to get some samples of the grout that didn't cure properly so we can work with our grout manufacturer to determine root cause. Our address is Avaire, 13423 "F" St, Omaha, NE, 68137. You can make the package to "Jonathan's attention".